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Kersmo, Tadesse Biru (2025) Conflicting narratives, the emergent third way, and peace: a constructivist approach to Ethiopia's conflicts. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitian University.
This thesis employs a social constructivist framework to analyse how competing narratives and identity politics drive elite polarisation and perpetuate conflict in Ethiopia. Despite its ancient heritage and symbolic status as an uncolonized African state, modern Ethiopia is characterised by profound internal strife. The research focuses on the 1995 constitutional institution of ethnic federalism - a mechanism intended to redress historical grievances, yet frequently implicated in exacerbating societal fragmentation and inter-group tensions.
The study investigates two dominant, antagonistic narratives: one framing Ethiopia as a unified 'Cradle of Civilisation and Freedom', and the other as an oppressive 'Prison of Nations'. It examines how these socially constructed narratives shape elite perceptions, political alliances, and conflict dynamics. Through qualitative methodology - including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary analysis - the research reveals a deeply contested political landscape. While support for a federal structure is unanimous among elites, significant debate persists over its ethnic versus civic orientation, prompting calls for constitutional reform.
A nascent, third narrative emerges, seeking to reconcile Ethiopia’s historical unity with its multicultural reality; however, its state-led articulation risks undermining its authenticity. The findings further indicate profound distrust in existing institutions, notably the ruling Prosperity Party and the National Dialogue Commission, highlighting a critical deficit of inclusive dialogue. The thesis concludes that sustainable peace necessitates genuine, participatory processes to renegotiate a shared national identity. Recommendations include restructuring the national dialogue, constitutional reform to balance autonomy with cohesion, and promoting peace education and media literacy to counter divisive narratives.
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